Ant-Man Review: Do Action and Humor Mix? #AntMan

I’ve mentioned before how I’m not the typical Marvel fan. I didn’t grow up reading comics, I’ve never been a huge action movie fan, I just like being entertained. However, I’m kind of turning into a Marvel geek. I’m still not at the level where you ask me a whole bunch of trivia, I can rattle off facts and back stories and how everyone’s character plots intersect. Nor can I comment on how true to the comic this version of “Ant-Man” is. But by the end of this film, I was seriously clapping my hands, throwing my head back for laughs, and got like a giddy school girl when there were some Avengers surprises. I might have let out a little squeal. Total geekish behavior for me.

As always, the synopsis: The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Marvel’s “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Tip “T.I.” Harris as Dave, Wood Harris as Gale, Judy Greer as Maggie, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym.

I enjoyed that this Marvel film didn’t feel as heavy. The stakes weren’t quite as drastic, and I didn’t have to watch previous Marvel films to follow the story. There were quips and sarcasm aplenty, which I always enjoy. I loved the simple, yet complex father/daughter relationships between Paul Rudd’s character and his daughter, and the characters of Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly. Completely relatable.

As the movie was getting started, I thought that this was a ridiculous superhero. What the what? He shrinks? Is this “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?”

But once again, I was proven wrong. “Ant-Man” exceeded my expectations. As Paul Rudd said at a screening, “Technology has changed.” So no, this ain’t your mom’s version of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” The action definitely picked up, but it was humor mixed with action. This is a film I would take my children to see.

Can I now talk about my favorites?

This crew right here. I was dying laughing. Dying. Michael Peña as (Scott Lang’s friend) Luis is sensational and a scene-stealer. If you don’t like ants, action, Marvel, Disney, or anything really, go see “Ant-Man” just to laugh your head off at Michael Peña. You’ll thank me later.

“Ant-Man” opens in theaters today, July 17! You’ll fall in love with Paul Rudd even more than when he was in “Clueless.” Don’t think it’s possible, do you? Watch it, you’ll see. I dare you.